We’ve all been there—you open an email and something just doesn’t feel right. Maybe it’s an unexpected attachment, a link asking you to “act fast,” or a message that looks like it came from a coworker but sounds off. 

Knowing how to spot a suspicious email is important. But what really makes the difference is how you respond. A quick, thoughtful reaction can stop a potential issue in its tracks, while the wrong move can accidentally make things worse. 

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Transcript:

Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal Podcast. 

This tip comes from an article provided by KnowBe4 security Awareness and Training Solutions.   

First of all, let's look at what you should not do with a suspicious email. You should not respond to it. It’s natural to want to confirm legitimacy, especially if the message appears to come from someone you know. But if the account has been compromised, you’re not talking to your friend or coworker—you’re talking to a scammer. Even a simple reply signals that your email is active and monitored, which can make you a bigger target going forward. Instead, verify through another channel if needed, like a direct phone call or a fresh email you initiate. 

Secondly, don't click any links or attachments. Suspicious emails often include links that redirect to fake login pages to get your credentials or attachments that download malware. Sometimes the signs are subtle. You might click expecting a document, only to get a login request or a strange pop-up instead. If anything behaves unexpectedly, stop immediately. That’s a red flag. 

If you receive a suspicious email, don't forward it to others. When something doesn’t look right, it’s tempting to ask someone else for a second opinion. But forwarding a suspicious email spreads potential risk. If it’s malicious, you’ve just exposed someone else to the same threat and increased the chances that someone clicks. 

Now that we've gone over what not to do, here's what you should do with a suspicious email. You should report it right away. The most important step is also the simplest: report the email using the email service's report option or if you are at work, your organization’s security tools. Once you've reported it, leave it alone. Don't click it, don't reply, and don't download it. 

If you're unsure if the email is malicious, it is best practice to ignore it. If you receive an email at work that you are unsure of, reach out to your organization's IT team. It’s always better to ask than guess. There’s no downside to being cautious. 

Trust your instincts when it comes to spotting suspicious emails. Watch out for common warning signs such as urgent messaging, like language pressuring you to act now. Other warning signs include unusual requests such as asking for login credentials or gift cards and inconsistencies in the email like typos or odd formatting.  

In a fast-paced day, it’s easy to click first and think later. But when it comes to email security, a few seconds of pause can save you a lot of trouble. No need to overanalyze or investigate on your own. Just avoid the common pitfalls, follow the process, and let the experts take it from there. Staying secure is about being aware, cautious, and consistent. 

If there are any other tips or topics you'd like us to cover, let us know at [email protected]. Also, remember to like and follow our Making Money Personal Facebook and Instagram to share your thoughts. Finally, remember to look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on Facebook and LinkedIn.          

Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.